Download    There’s this thing in piano playing called a “gliss”, and Jerry Lee Lewis perfected it to an art form. A “glissando” is performed by sliding one or more fingers rapidly down or up the keys of a piano or strings of a harp.  Jerry Lee tended to use this technique a tad too much, but that’s what we call “flair”… I guess.  I tried to put in the exact same number of glissandos as he did on the piano track, but I think I overdid them too.  They’re addictive!

“Great Balls of Fire” became Lewis’ signature song, which was a perfect fit for his incendiary style (no pun intended).  Lewis was extremely reluctant to record this tune as it was packed full of sexual innuendo.  I suppose in 1957 that was a huge deal, especially since he had grown up in a very religious household.  Yet, the same month “Great Balls” was released, he married the 13-year-old daughter of his bass player – who just happened to be his cousin.  Hmmmmm…  so much for taking the high road.

Never mind all that.  This is a great ice-breaker if your crowd is getting a little sleepy – which, by the way, would be your fault.  So liven ’em up with this raucous piece and follow it with “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, another of Jerry Lee’s number one hits.  If they’re still sleepy after these two songs, you better pack up and go home – it’s hopeless.